He is a tri-captain and team leader, he leads all Penn State defensive linemen in solo tackles, he ranks among the top six in the Big Ten in sacks and he is probably the most versatile performer on a unit that is ranked eighth in the country in total defense.

So why isn’t more recognition and publicity coming Josh Gaines’ way?

“I’ve increased my play a lot since last year,” said Gaines, a fifth year senior from Fort Wayne, Ind. “I feel like I’m an all-around better player.”

The statistics back him up. But the 6-foot-1, 275-pound Gaines is playing under the radar and in the shadow of speedy ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans.

“I do think he is (underappreciated),” agreed Nittany Lions’ head coach Joe Paterno.

“He does a good job. He’s a quiet, sure, very confident kid who rubs off in the rest of the football team. He rarely makes a mistake.”

When told about Paterno’s comments, Gaines said: “I haven’t heard or seen much recognition but coming from coach, that means a lot.”

Maybin leads the conference in sacks and is second nationally with seven. Evans was a pre-season All American and then garnered a lot of attention when he was suspended for three games – along with defensive tackle Abe Koroma – after police seized a small amount of marijuana from their apartment.

“I think (Gaines) is probably not gotten the kind of credit the other kids get because they are free-lancing most of the time on the outside,” Paterno explained.

Gaines is also an end, but his game just isn’t flashy. Plus, he’s played plenty of snaps at tackle, especially while Koroma was sidelined.

On Saturday at Purdue, Gaines made the 26th start of his career. So far this season, he is eighth on the team with 20 tackles, but 16 have been solo stops. And he’s added 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one quarterback hurry.

And then there are the intangibles you simply can’t measure.

“Half the people around here don’t even know who Gaines is,” Paterno said. “But he’s probably one of the stronger leaders on the team.” – NEIL GEOGHEGAN.